Southwest Christian at Faribault Bethlehem Academy
7:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11

No. 1-1A Bethlehem Academy looks like it may be the best team in the state regardless of class, at least based on the first two weeks of the season. Coach Franz Boelter’s Cardinals have won all seven matches while only dropping three sets. The impressive march through the schedule includes victories over three-time defending state Class 2A champion Marshall, defending state Class 3A champion Eagan and perennially-strong big schools Lakeville North and Shakopee. Now comes the last defending state champion still standing in Bethlehem Academy’s way — Southwest Christian of Chaska. It’s not the same Stars’ team that won last year’s Class 1A title, though. Coach Greg Sayuk’s team graduated seven seniors, including Miss Volleyball finalist Mackenzie Horkey and All-State picks Rachel Carlin and Abby Palkert. Young players have been thrust to the forefront, which has resulted in an up-and-down 2-2 start to the year.